www.ItsNotMental.com Children whose brain is affected by medical/biomedical, neurobiological, metabolic, functional problems, although not of a psychological/emotional origin, may still be diagnosed as what society euphemistically refers to as "mental illness."
Isn't it time to start calling those illnesses what they really are--ILLNESS--same as any other? (Español)

Here is information gathered from parents and doctors to help clear up some of that confusion about what to take and/or do, and when. But be aware, that there may be even deeper underlying medical issues which, if addressed, may help alleviate some sleep problems (such as healing gut issues, nutritional issues, food and chemical sensitivities, allergies, hormonal issues, etc.- See books: It's Not Mental, Is This Your Child, and Our Toxic World - Don't dismiss books and other information sources aimed at helping children heal just because you are an adult! Those are usually on the leading edge--ahead of their time-- because we will do anything to heal our kids! We adults can learn and implement techniques for ourselves as well!)As with any suggestions, these are things parents have found helpful for their own children. Consult with your own child's doctor before implementing. At the bottom of this post are links to other websites for more information, including that specifically targeting patients with "bipolar" symptoms.

To get to sleep, some of our children do fine taking 1-3 mg melatonin half-an-hour to an hour before bed, but many need tryptophan as well (see below). And for others, especially with bipolar symptoms, it is much more complicated (to be discussed). See also: Beyond Sleep.

SAMe is necessary for Melatonin. SAMe is melatonin's daytime equivalent. The natural synthesis of melatonin during the night is dependent on the synthesis of SAMe during the day. SAMe is necessary for the biochemical reaction that converts serotonin into melatonin. (Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that drugs like Prozac elevate). SAMe and melatonin are entwined in a circadian rhythm that see-saws back and forth as the sun rises and sets.

Research shows that a rocking, gliding, or swaying motion can quickly lull us into a deep slumber. Until a company comes out with a device to mimic that motion (I am sure they will soon), some are setting up hammocks in the bedroom. Too soon to have feedback on that.

Some children with difficulty remaining asleep take 1-3 mg extended/sustained release melatonin right at bedtime.

Some parents report giving children with both issues a combination of immediate-release and sustained-released melatonin.

Other children do better with melatonin precursors such as L-Tryptophan or 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Some additionally use the amino acid brain neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), along with inositol & niacinamide. GABA is known to induce relaxation and improve restful sleep. One indication for the use of GABA may be tense or achy muscles. Some alternate GABA with, or add, Valerian root. Sometimes they use these in addition to the melatonin.

One of the most obscure but critical facts about melatonin use is in the disorder of circadian rhythm. In this disorder, melatonin is sometimes given 5-6 HOURS before bed!

Here is one case:

The daughter was taking a large quantity (over 6mg) combination of extended-release and regular melatonin, tryptophan, and other supplements were tried, yet she was still having trouble sleeping at night and waking in the morning. Three sleep specialists later, one finally understood the problem was circadian rhythm disorder (a sleep study was NOT required to diagnose this condition). The specialist had her switch the timing and dosage of the melatonin.

Melatonin can be sedating, so a lesser amount was prescribed 5 hours prior to bed.
In addition, light therapy, which was being used, was switched to earlier in the morning, more intensely (closer distance at 10,000 lux), and for her--with a predisposition towards hypomania--a briefer period of time.

It should be noted that others have reported that in addition to the light therapy in the morning, (with some needing the light for extended periods of time, some even for hours on gloomy days) and melatonin either used at bedtime or 5-6 hours before bedtime, DARKNESS at night is equally critical.

For darkness, it has been suggested that if at all possible, the room should be so dark that a person cannot even see his/her own hand. This goes against our parental instinct to provide night lights. It is a judgement call, of course. I certainly would not wish to traumatize a child. I have not heard from a parent trying this, but perhaps a sleep mask over the eyes, if the child would tolerate one, might be useful?

1000mg L-Tryptophan has been as helpful for my daughter in promoting undisturbed sleep--eliminating horrific nightmares--as 150mg Seroquel/quetiapine (500mg Tryptophan per 75 mg Seroquel was suggested by her M.D. specializing in Integrative medicine as discussed in my book--It's not Mental).

And many parents love the way some homeopathic remedies, such as Hyland's Calms and Hyland's Calms Forté™, work for helping their children sleep better.

One last suggestion is to change the bed itself. Some children sleep better with a different type of mattress or even no mattress at all, but rather a hammock! Here is an article from NPR about actual research into the gentle swaying of a hammock triggering deep sleep: Why Hammocks Make Sleep Easier, Deeper

In addition, consider having a sleep study done, and using pharmaceutical interventions when necessary. Some children may have sleep disorders requiring the use of pharmaceutical medications such as the daytime use of provigil/modafinl, nuvigil/Armodafinil, Wellbutrin, etc, or nighttime use of medications targeting sleep architecture (such as Xyrem) in the case of severe narcolepsy or related disorders.

Another consideration is that either low or high hormone levels can cause excessive sleep, disturbed sleep, erratic sleep cycles, or diminished sleep.

6 comments:

I've just read your "Abnormal Sleep as a Cause of Mental Symptoms" as well as this entry. Very wise info, ideas whose time has come!

Cases of "ADHD" have been reversed when sleep disorders are treated. No doubt other "mental" problems as well.

I have DSPS and until diagnosis 5 years ago I've been considered lazy, undisciplined, uncooperative, uncaring etc etc as well as depressed. Seems logical to me that being misunderstood for years and years might lead to depression. (That includes misunderstood by myself as well as by others.)

This blog should be required reading for parents, teachers, doctors, psychologists and politicians. At least.

There are children sized as well as adult sized amber glasses available on lowbluelights.com. They are to be worn for 2 to 3 hrs before retiring so that the pineal gland can begin producing one's own melatonin well before going to bed. They allow the wearer to function normally, e.g., read, watch television, work on a computer. Since the gland is capable of producing melatonin for 10 to 11 hours, by wearing the glasses in the evening before going to bed, it not only helps many people to sleep better but also allows them to be less sleepy and "sharper" in the morning.

I spent a lot of time reading around this topic area as I had a sleep problem for around a year.The commercial blue blocking glasses were too expensive for me and so-called blue-blocking sunglasses weren't very effective for me.So I made my own. The helped me feel drowsy at bedtime so I guess my particular sleep problem was based on melatonin/body clock issues.I've made 50 pairs and put them up on eBay at a very low price so people can try them out before forking out lots of money. You can fined them here:

George, We are constantly battling to not allow the big brother pharmaceutical industry from pressuring our government here in the U.S. to do the same thing.

I do not know how things work in the UK - whether you can mail-order it from other countries, or get your physician there to write you a prescription for it?

It is a shame about the supplements there because a little cheap benign tryptophan even replaced heavy-duty, life-altering antipsychotic medication for my younger daughter! Left up to the pharmaceutical industry, she might have been on antipsychotics for life. Money in their pocket!

Do you know someone with any or all of the following? * sleep problems * mood swings * anxiety * hallucinations * migraines * allergies * body painIt is time to think outside the box and obtain meaningful HELP. Want to read about how another family successfully and lovingly helped their loved ones? Want to know about service dogs, genetics, testing, supplements, school, legal matters, etc. dealt with by another family?

Every person with any of these issues in the family tree, or any disorder for which the doctors don't know a medical cause for strange symptoms, should read this book! (Read more about this book here)

DISCLAIMER: We are just regular people blogging and commenting here. We are just sharing our OWN experiences. Therefore, nothing on this site is to be taken as medical or legal advice! Do not start, stop, or change medications, supplements, exercise programs, diet, sleep regimens, etc. without consulting a doctor.